Best Hardwoods for Cabinets
Cabinets are usually made from hardwoods. Some cabinets are hardwood laminate over a plywood to save costs while others are solid hardwoods. One of the first features of a hardwood that most homeowners look at is the color of the wood. Cabinets can be painted or stained, but the natural color of the wood is what attracts people first. There are many other facets of the best hardwoods for cabinets that you should keep in mind while shopping. This list will give you a rundown of the basics of available cabinet hardwoods.
Red Oak
- Strong
- Durable
- Inexpensive
- Pronounced grain patterns
- Traditional hardwood for cabinets
- Often available for stock cabinets
White Oak
- Durable
- Stronger than red oak
- Golden tones
- Subtle grain patterns
- Available for custom options
Hard Maple
- Fine grain
- Light color
- Expensive
- Less dense than oak
- Easily stained
- Used for light contemporary designs
Hickory
- Light in color
- Subtle grain patterns
- Creamy, pale yellow
- Suited for clear stains or natural finish
- Rustic
- Rare choice for custom work
Cherry
- Very durable and strong
- Elegant
- Traditional
- Smooth grain
- Fine patterns
- Red to brownish tones
- Darkens with age
- Needs stain to keep color uniform
Birch
- Durable
- Fine grain
- Darker than maple
- Light in color
- “faux” cherry wood when stained
- Inexpensive
- Available in stock cabinets with most manufacturers
Ash
- Strong
- Durable
- Light color
- Straight grain
- Contemporary
- Good for custom cabinets
Pine
- Only soft wood used in cabinets
- Pale yellow
- Features knots in the wood
- Underscore Americana styles
When looking at the hardwoods of choosing in a home store, make sure to pay attention to grain, color, and construction of cabinets. They are many different choices of hardwood ranging from $80 per linear foot to $200 or more if you are shopping for exotic hardwoods. Custom designs will cost more but will ensure you receive cabinets that are durable and strong, installed by professionals. For a cabinet installation quote contact us!
